Sunny Days. . .

the title of this blog may seem to most to be a contradiction when you consider the diagnosis that Mark's been given.  We talked about what we should call this blog.  Mark didn't hesitate when he came up with the name.  He is very happy right now.  The sun is shining, it's summertime and he is surrounded by people he loves.

Also, the blog address: 6andahalfwrecks is significant.  Our email address used to be 5wrecks (Mark, Kelley, Tyler, Keenan & Noah). . . we've added a daughter-in-law to our family and she & Keenan are expecting in September (baby is the 1/2!). 

Practical ways you can help:

1) Sign up to bring a meal.
Visit: www.takethemameal.com
Password: green11

2)  Yardwork: mowing the lawn, weeding the flower beds, trimming hedges, bushes and all sorts of living things.  Mark takes great pride in his yard and we would like for him to enjoy it this summer without feeling stressed and worrying about how much there is to do.  Contact Keenan (503.853.5355), Tyler (971.322.9467) or Kelley (503.936.5128) if this is something you would like to help with.

3) Taking Noah to his job site(s).  This could be to Tualatin or Portland or Hillsboro.  He is working with a carpenter-craftsman this summer at various sites in/around Portland.  Call Kelley if you can help with this.

A message from Mark:

"I would like you all to visit the blog to get updates, but mostly to know that I am in good spirits and things are going well.  If it makes you sad to visit this blog, then don't come back!" :)

Enjoying a sunny day outside in the backyard.  June 29, 2013

Dear Friends & Family,

We met with Dr. Soldevilla (Mark's neurosurgeon) on 6/27 after Mark's first radiation treatment.  He confirmed that the tumor is cancer, Glioblastoma multiforme, Grade 4.  Because of it's size and location, it is inoperable but "treatable" with chemotherapy and radiation.  The hope is to reduce the tumor size, which will hopefully decrease the physical symptoms that Mark had been feeling (primarily headache and weakness).  The treatment/therapy plan remains the same: 6-8 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy.  The radiation is delivered 5 days/week; the chemotherapy pill, Temodar (Temozolomide) is taken 7 days/week until the end of the radiation cycle.  The 2 therapies compliment one another and patient's have a better outcome if both are used together. 

We understand that you all have been waiting, as we have, for news/results of the pathology report.  We wanted a chance to talk with all the boys before we told others.  It was hardest to tell Noah, but we had that conversation this week. 

We will include some websites that have given us additional information about the kind of tumor, treatment, etc.  Mark has expressed his confidence in the doctors involved in his treatment.  He is determined to stay optimistic and live each day to the fullest.  He had a good day today, taking a walk with Tyler and also with Noah, Felipe and Sofa (the dog). 

Thank you all for your loving support. Please continue to pray for Mark's health and well-being, especially as he starts treatment as he will be more susceptible to illness and fatigue. 

Sincerely,

Tyler, Keenan, Noah & Kelley

A few websites:

http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/

http://neurosurgery.ucsd.edu/glioblastoma/

Hello everybody, 

I want to thank you for your care and concern over the past week. My Dad is blessed to have such a loving support system- even the doctors have noticed! Now that we're moving forward with Dad's treatment and recovery, we thought it would be a good time to touch base and talk about our plan to care for him. 

Dad has made a lot of progress as far as his strength and endurance goes.  Based on what the therapists and nurses have said, it sounds like he is going to be able to come home Sunday 6/23. Frank (Dad's physical therapist) suggested outpatient therapy instead of a skilled nursing facility. Because of how fast he's progressing, he will be able to stay at the house. Between my mom, Tyler, Becca and myself, we have his transportation to and from all appointments taken care of. We are going to make sure one of us is with him 24/7 during his recovery. Dad has expressed to all of us, my mom included, that he wants us to be there to care for him. 

As far as our living situation, Becca and I are going to move into the basement apartment, and my Mom, Dad and Noah are going to be living in the house. This might not make sense to all of you, but it's what we all want, especially my Dad. He's made it clear to us that he wants my mom here, and she can't imagine not being with him right now. 

We don't know what the future is going to look like, and we don't want to assume that we have unlimited time with my Dad. This is really hard for us. Our priority is to spend as much quality time with him as possible. It is not our intention to cut anyone out or exclude his extended family or friends. At the same time, we feel like we need to be protective of our time with him. 

As far as life once Dad comes home, t he most important thing is to keep daily life simple. His therapist emphasized that limiting extra activity, socializing, and stimulation is going to be essential to his recovery. Any visit to the house can be arranged with me. 

We know you all want to help however you can, and that means a lot. We trust in all of your intentions. As time goes on, there will be plenty of practical ways to help. We will make every effort to keep you informed of his progress. Thank you all for your understanding. 

Love,

Keenan